Students Suspended After Challenging Tuition Fees and Unsanitary Practices.
The Commission of Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) was compelled to step in after 15 Form Two students faced suspension for protesting unsanitary conditions and inadequate services at their school.
Parents reported that the students had raised grievances about being made to bathe with dirty stormwater and unhygienic food preparations. Additionally, they highlighted the lack of extra tuition services, despite parents having paid Ksh1,500 per term since Form One.
On July 17, 2024, parents were called to the school to collect their suspended children, but no suspension letters were issued, nor were return dates provided.
The parents expressed frustration, stating that their children were left at home for over five months without formal communication from the school principal.
They described this as a violation of the students’ right to education and questioned the lack of services for which they had paid.
Parents Seek Ombudsman’s Help
Faced with inaction, the parents sought assistance from the Ombudsman. They wrote to the Commission, urging urgent intervention to resolve the matter and ensure the students could return to their studies.
The letter emphasized the unfairness of the suspension and the lack of procedural adherence by the school administration.
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The Commission, referencing Article 47(1) of the Kenyan Constitution on Fair Administrative Action, highlighted that suspending the students without proper documentation and issuing suspension letters months later violated constitutional principles of lawfulness, expediency, and fairness.
Following the Ombudsman’s involvement, the students were readmitted to the school after five months of absence.
The Education Ministry, through its Principal Secretary, directed the Embu County Director of Education to investigate the matter. The findings led to the principal being ordered to readmit the 15 students unconditionally. The Ministry also instructed the school to handle future disciplinary cases without unnecessary delays, ensuring compliance with fair administrative procedures.
Key Issues Raised
The case underscored critical issues, including:
- Unsanitary Conditions: Students were forced to bathe in dirty stormwater and endure unhygienic food preparation.
- Unfulfilled Tuition Services: Parents paid for extra tuition that was never provided.
- Procedural Irregularities: The lack of suspension letters and delays in addressing grievances violated administrative fairness.
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This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of procedural fairness in handling disciplinary actions and the responsibility of educational institutions to uphold students’ rights.
The intervention by the Ombudsman and the Education Ministry demonstrates the necessity of enforcing accountability and ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Students Suspended After Challenging Tuition Fees and Unsanitary Practices.
